All States/Territories

This issue brief looks at issues related to the development and implementation of managed care programs with the capacity to serve Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities. Drawing on existing research on Medicaid managed care and people with disabilities, the brief highlights policy considerations related to setting plan payment rates, developing adequate provider networks and delivery systems, and ensuring sufficient beneficiary protections and plan oversight.

The 9 million individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid often receive care that is fragmented, poorly coordinated, and high-cost. Integrating their care is difficult because of the challenges associated with aligning the programs' financial incentives and reimbursement processes. This brief explores considerations for establishing reimbursement rates and performance incentives for the capitated and managed fee-for-service financial models.

There are 10 common themes in this summary from the written work of 10 authors of caregiving books. There are 4 areas highlighted at the Forum in which public policies and communities can respond to the needs of family caregivers: greater public education and awareness; more financial relief; better communication, coordination, and collaboration with health care professionals; and heightened recognition of and support for family caregivers in policy initiatives.

Families USA released their latest brief that helps advocates understand the basics of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and their potential for improving patient care. The brief includes the basics, payment and quality measurements, determining shared savings and losses, and beneficiary assignment and notification processes.

Highlighted in the report are important developments & directions in NIH-funded research, including: risk for developing Alzheimer’s; genes that play a role in the disease; neuroimaging & biomarkers that detect & track the disease; research into new treatments; lifestyle factors that may worsen or protect against the disease; & help for caregivers. Special features include animation showing the progression of Alzheimer’s in the brain & video interviews highlighting new insights into the disease.

This guide lays out information about each federal program that provides or could provide respite funding or support. It is meant to be used by state Lifespan Respite Care Programs & their partners to help identify the funding sources that could be the building blocks for the state’s Lifespan Respite systems, help serve the underserved, build respite capacity & quality and help recruit & retain respite workers, and identify individuals who administer funds for future partnerships.

In its first year of operation, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has a long list of accomplishments, yet some observers express concern that its fast-paced approach may be overwhelming to smaller delivery systems. A status report of the Innovation Center’s activities to date is provided, including delineating the goals envisioned by Congress, detailing the new tools it was given, and emphasizing how the enhanced authority compares with CMS’ traditional demonstration programs.

Overview provided about individuals and families who can be expected to receive assistance under insurance affordability programs, which include Medicaid, CHIP, advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, and Basic Health Programs. Particular focus is placed on the characteristics of individuals whose incomes place them at or near the Medicaid/exchange dividing line. The authors identify opportunities for greater collaboration and alignment in key areas.

The focus of this issue brief is on issues of suicide, anxiety and depression, prescription drug misuse and abuse, and alcohol abuse. The target audiences are the local and State Aging Services Network, behavioral health community, and substance abuse providers. The Issue Brief series will identify key information and opportunities for action that can improve the lives of older Americans. It emphasizes the importance of using partnerships to implement and sustain effective services.

Despite decades of increases in program participation and spending, the disability support infrastructure in the United States and the economic independence of people with disabilities have eroded. Rather than tighten eligibility or reduce program benefits, this issue brief proposes gradual programmatic reforms and evidence-based structural changes to improve the economic status of Americans with disabilities.